The 1 Reason the Royal Wedding Guest List Is Becoming Controversial

Royal wedding mania is in full swing. Everything from Meghan Markle’s dress to Prince Harry’s body language has royal watchers in a tizzy. There is one item, however, that remains mysterious: The wedding guest list. In fact, the list has even raised some controversy as the big day inches closer and closer. Here is why the royal wedding guest list has become disputable.

For starters, this isn’t new

Charles and Camilla’s wedding was one of several controversial royal ceremonies. | CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images

This isn’t the first time that a royal wedding has raised eyebrows. Like when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson. Or more recently, Prince Charles marrying long-time mistress Camilla Parker-Bowles. In this instance, however, it’s the invitees that are causing the biggest stir.

Next: The last time the guest list caused trouble.

Will and Kate’s wedding

There were some notable snubs at William and Kate’s wedding. | Dave Thompson/AFP/Getty Images

The guest list for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011 also caused some contention. But the kerfuffle then was a family matter, as William’s aunt, former duchess Sarah Ferguson, was not invited. This drew ire from Fergie’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, with whom William and Kate already had a contentious relationship.

Next: This time around, however …

The issue has nothing to do with family

The Markle family say they may crash the wedding. | Samantha Markle via Twitter

The current controversy that is brewing has nothing to do with family being invited — even though that is still a hot topic. Members of Meghan Markle’s estranged family have said that they will crash the wedding if they aren’t invited. This includes her stepbrother, who was recently arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at his girlfriend’s head.

Next: Meghan’s brother is only half the trouble there.

The stepsister

No, even Meghan’s outspoken stepsister isn’t the most controversial figure surrounding the royal wedding. Even though Samantha Grant has pushed herself into the spotlight by badmouthing Meghan and claiming she is writing a tell-all that will show Meghan in a negative light. Grant has even exchanged un-pleasantries with Prince Harry! (At this rate, she probably isn’t getting a formal invitation.)

Next: Which brings us to …

The controversial guests

Are the Obamas in and the Trumps out? | Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

As the news has projected for over a month now, there could be major controversy if former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle attend Harry and Meghan’s wedding. The UK government is reportedly worried about how the current commander in chief, Donald Trump, will react if the former first couple gets invited and he does not. There is great concern that inviting the Obamas and not Trump, who Meghan has been critical of, could hurt British and American relations.

Next: There are reasons for inviting Barack and Michelle.

Why Harry wants them there

Harry has become a close friend of President Obama. | Kensington Palace via Getty Images

While the Obamas were not invited to William and Kate’s wedding in 2011, they have become close friends with the royal family through charity endeavors, particularly Prince Harry’s Invictus Games. Queen Elizabeth even broke a rule stipulating that royals aren’t allowed to be touched, and gave Michelle Obama a hug.

Next: The big question remains …

Is an invite in the mail already?

CNN reported just after Christmas that Prince Harry is keeping mum as to whether the Obamas will be invited to the wedding. The red-headed royal told a BBC radio show that the guest list for the wedding still hadn’t been finalized yet.